Por vs Para in Spanish: Using para (not por) to express unequal relations/surprising facts

In Spanish we use the preposition para (not por) when we want to express a surprising fact in relation to a general statement.

Have a look and listen to these examples:

Para ser adolescente, ella es bastante responsable.For a teenager, she is quite responsible.

Here, the general statement is that all teenagers are irresponsible, however she is an exception.

Para una universidad tan prestigiosa, los resultados no han sido muy buenos este año.For such a prestigious university, the results haven't been very good this year.

Here, the surprising fact is that the results have been bad, despite being considered generally as a very good university. 

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

Para una universidad tan prestigiosa, los resultados no han sido muy buenos este año.For such a prestigious university, the results haven't been very good this year.
Para ser adolescente, ella es bastante responsable.For a teenager, she is quite responsible.
I'll be right with you...